EP3099615B1 - Media processing apparatus comprising a flexion component, and method of operating a media processing apparatus comprising applying a force - Google Patents
Media processing apparatus comprising a flexion component, and method of operating a media processing apparatus comprising applying a force Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3099615B1 EP3099615B1 EP14705982.8A EP14705982A EP3099615B1 EP 3099615 B1 EP3099615 B1 EP 3099615B1 EP 14705982 A EP14705982 A EP 14705982A EP 3099615 B1 EP3099615 B1 EP 3099615B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- media
- flexion
- sheet
- processing device
- force
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
- B65H29/52—Stationary guides or smoothers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
- B65H29/20—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by contact with rotating friction members, e.g. rollers, brushes, or cylinders
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
- B65H29/12—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by means of the nip between two, or between two sets of, moving tapes or bands or rollers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
- B65H29/68—Reducing the speed of articles as they advance
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
- B65H29/70—Article bending or stiffening arrangements
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
- B65H3/66—Article guides or smoothers, e.g. movable in operation
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H5/00—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines
- B65H5/36—Article guides or smoothers, e.g. movable in operation
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H85/00—Recirculating articles, i.e. feeding each article to, and delivering it from, the same machine work-station more than once
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/60—Apparatus which relate to the handling of originals
- G03G15/602—Apparatus which relate to the handling of originals for transporting
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
- B65H2301/50—Auxiliary process performed during handling process
- B65H2301/51—Modifying a characteristic of handled material
- B65H2301/512—Changing form of handled material
- B65H2301/5121—Bending, buckling, curling, bringing a curvature
- B65H2301/51212—Bending, buckling, curling, bringing a curvature perpendicularly to the direction of displacement of handled material, e.g. forming a loop
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2403/00—Power transmission; Driving means
- B65H2403/90—Machine drive
- B65H2403/94—Other features of machine drive
- B65H2403/942—Bidirectional powered handling device
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- B65H2403/90—Machine drive
- B65H2403/94—Other features of machine drive
- B65H2403/945—Self-weight powered
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2404/00—Parts for transporting or guiding the handled material
- B65H2404/10—Rollers
- B65H2404/15—Roller assembly, particular roller arrangement
- B65H2404/152—Arrangement of roller on a movable frame
- B65H2404/1521—Arrangement of roller on a movable frame rotating, pivoting or oscillating around an axis, e.g. parallel to the roller axis
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2404/00—Parts for transporting or guiding the handled material
- B65H2404/60—Other elements in face contact with handled material
- B65H2404/63—Oscillating, pivoting around an axis parallel to face of material, e.g. diverting means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2404/00—Parts for transporting or guiding the handled material
- B65H2404/60—Other elements in face contact with handled material
- B65H2404/69—Other means designated for special purpose
- B65H2404/693—Retractable guiding means, i.e. between guiding and non guiding position
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2404/00—Parts for transporting or guiding the handled material
- B65H2404/60—Other elements in face contact with handled material
- B65H2404/69—Other means designated for special purpose
- B65H2404/694—Non driven means for pressing the handled material on forwarding or guiding elements
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2404/00—Parts for transporting or guiding the handled material
- B65H2404/60—Other elements in face contact with handled material
- B65H2404/69—Other means designated for special purpose
- B65H2404/696—Ball, sphere
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2511/00—Dimensions; Position; Numbers; Identification; Occurrences
- B65H2511/20—Location in space
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2511/00—Dimensions; Position; Numbers; Identification; Occurrences
- B65H2511/40—Identification
- B65H2511/414—Identification of mode of operation
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2511/00—Dimensions; Position; Numbers; Identification; Occurrences
- B65H2511/40—Identification
- B65H2511/415—Identification of job
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2513/00—Dynamic entities; Timing aspects
- B65H2513/10—Speed
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2513/00—Dynamic entities; Timing aspects
- B65H2513/10—Speed
- B65H2513/11—Speed angular
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2557/00—Means for control not provided for in groups B65H2551/00 - B65H2555/00
- B65H2557/60—Details of processes or procedures
- B65H2557/61—Details of processes or procedures for calibrating
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2601/00—Problem to be solved or advantage achieved
- B65H2601/30—Facilitating or easing
- B65H2601/32—Facilitating or easing entities relating to handling machine
- B65H2601/321—Access
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2801/00—Application field
- B65H2801/39—Scanning
Definitions
- a printer may deposit ink on paper transported along a media path and a scanner may capture an image of a document that passes one or more image acquisition devices.
- media typically enters the media path using one or more feed areas arranged along, or at the start of, the media path.
- a media feed area may use friction to transport media.
- a media feed area may comprise one or more rotating rollers, which are positioned to contact media within the media path. The friction between the rotating rollers and the media thereby causes the media to be transported along the media path.
- JP 2002 096957 A describes a switchback device to stably carry out a reverse conveying process for transfer paper while preventing jamming by smoothly conveying the transfer paper without applying excess load to the transfer paper during the process.
- the switchback device comprises a reversing roller that rotates in normal and reverse directions; a first driven roller disposed to abut against the reversing roller; a second driven roller disposed on the side of the first driven roller to which a sheet of transfer paper is fed from a fixing device; and a driven roller moving device for moving the second driven roller.
- the driven roller moving device moves the second driven roller away from a path of conveyance of sheets of transfer paper; when the sheet of transfer paper is fed to the second driven roller by the reversing roller and the first driven roller, the moving device positions the second driven roller in the path of conveyance.
- Certain media processing devices comprise a media transport arranged to feed media back into an initial area following media processing.
- media may be driven in two opposing directions along the media transport and/or may be routed so as to use a common media holding area.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section through an exemplary media processing device 10.
- the media processing device 10 has a media path 20 defined by an upper surface 20a and a lower surface 20b.
- the media path typically extends within the media processing device, driving the media 40 past one or more actuators and/or sensors, e.g. print-heads and/or charge-coupled device arrays.
- the media path may be linear and/or curved.
- the media processing device 10 comprises a feed area 30 for feeding media 40 into the device and along a media transport.
- the media transport may comprise, amongst others, a belt-driven mechanism and/or a roller-driven mechanism.
- the feed area 30 may be considered a start of the media transport.
- media 40 is first positioned on a media tray 45 at an entrance to the media transport.
- a portion of the media 40 extends along the media path 20.
- the feed area 30 comprises two rollers 30a and 30b, between which media 40 is transported. Rotation of the rollers 30a, 30b causes any media 40 that is between the two rollers 30a, 30b to be transported along the media path 20.
- a sheet of paper may contact the lower roller 30b.
- the lower roller 30b may then be rotated in a clockwise direction. In this case, a frictional force between the paper and the lower roller 30b drives the paper forward between the two rollers 30a, 30b, i.e. from left to right in Figure 1 .
- media 40 that has been processed by the device may be fed back into the media transport.
- media 40 may be fed into the media processing device via the feed area 30. It may pass one or more actuators and/or sensors and then may be returned to the media tray 45. The media may be returned via an endless belt mechanism or by reversing a direction of rotation of one or more rollers, e.g. rollers 30a and 30b.
- Once media 40 has been processed it then rests on media tray 45 until it is removed by a user of the media processing device. In this case, while media 40 is resting on media tray 45 and awaiting removal by a user, it may remain in contact with, or in the vicinity of, the feed area 30. This may cause the media 40 to be "recaptured" by the feed area 30, and to be fed back into the media feed path or another part of the media processing device 10.
- Figure 2 shows a close-up of an exemplary media feed area 30, comprising an upper roller 30a and a lower roller 30b.
- the upper roller 30a rotates in a clockwise direction
- the lower roller 30b rotates in an anti-clockwise direction.
- the media 40 is transported in a leftward direction.
- gravity causes a portion, in this case a trailing portion, of the media 40 to remain in contact with the lower roller 30b.
- rotation of the lower roller 30b, and friction between the lower roller 30b and the trailing portion of the media 40 can cause the trailing portion of the media 40 to be "recaptured" by the roller 30b.
- the trailing portion of the media 40 may be "recaptured" by the rollers 30a, 30b, and pulled back into the media path 20.
- continued rotation of the lower roller 30b in the same (i.e. anti-clockwise) direction could cause the trailing portion of the media 40 to be pulled into a gap 50 between the lower roller 30b and the lower wall 20b. Further continued rotation of the lower roller 30b can cause more of the media 40 to be fed into the gap 50. The media 40 may become lodged in the gap 50 thereby blocking the media path 20. The media 40 may alternatively or additionally become damaged.
- any contact between media 40 and a moving part of a feed area 30 can cause media 40 to be captured, and fed into a part of a media processing device 10 that is undesirable i.e. a part which the media 40 should not be fed into.
- Recapture of processed media 40 by a feed area 30 of a media processing device 10 may be found with media processing devices that process media 40 in batches, e.g. with one or more sheets of media. This is because, once a first piece of media 40 has been processed by the media processing device, a trailing portion of the first piece of media 40 will typically remain in the vicinity of the last feed area 30 from which it was ejected. When the feed area 30 begins to operate again (in order to transport a second piece of media 40 along the media path 20) the first piece of media 40 can be recaptured by the feed area 40. Thus, in order to avoid this, the first piece of media must be removed from the media processing device before the second piece of media is processed. This is somewhat burdensome on the user of the media processing device 10, particularly if a large batch of media 40 is to be processed.
- FIG 3 shows schematically an exemplary modification of the media processing device 10, which may provide particular advantages.
- the media processing device 10 of Figure 3 is fitted with an apparatus 60, which comprises a flexion component 70.
- the flexion component 70 is for use in causing a flexion in media 40. More specifically, the flexion component 70 is configured such that, while media 40 is being transported along the media path 20, and past the flexion component 70, the flexion component 70 contacts a portion of the media 40, and applies a force thereto. This force causes the media 40 to bend around the flexion component 70 thereby creating a flexion in the media 40. This, in turn, causes a second portion of the media 40, in this case a trailing portion, which has just emerged from the feed area 30, to move away from the feed area 30. This effect can be seen more clearly in Figures 4a, 4b , 5a and 5b .
- Figure 4a shows a close-up of the apparatus 60, and more particularly, the flexion component 70.
- the flexion component 70 applies a substantially downward force onto a first portion 40a of the media 40 that is beneath the flexion component 70. This causes the first portion 40a of the media 40 to bend around the flexion component 70 thereby creating a flexion in the first portion 40a of the media 40.
- Figure 4b shows the first portion 40a of the media 40 in the absence of the flexion component 70. As can be seen, there is no flexion present in the media 40 depicted in Figure 4b .
- Figures 5a and 5b show a close-up of the feed area 30 of the media processing device 10.
- Figure 5a shows a case with the use of a flexion component;
- Figure 5b shows a comparative case.
- the upper roller 30a rotates in an anti-clockwise direction, and the lower roller 30b rotates in a clockwise direction to feed media 40 into the device.
- Figures 5a and 5b show the second portion 40b of the media 40 as the media resides in media tray 45.
- Figure 5a shows the position of the second portion 40b of media 40 when the media processing device is fitted with the apparatus 60.
- Figure 5b shows the position of the second portion 40b of the media 40 when the media processing device is not fitted with the apparatus 60.
- the second portion 40b of the media 40 in Figure 5a is a distance from the feed area 30 when the flexion component 70 is applied.
- the tip of the sheet of media retreats from right to left along the media path 40. As such it is further away from the feed area 30 than the second portion 40b of the media 40 in Figure 5b . This is because the flexion in the media 40 in the arrangement of Figure 5a has caused the second portion 40b to move away from the feed area 30.
- the flexion in the first portion 40a of the media 40 has, in this case, caused the second portion 40b of the media to move both upwards, away from the surface of the lower roller 30b and the gap 50, and also to the left as compared to the location of the second portion 40b in the arrangement of Figure 5b .
- the flexion component 70 applies a force that displaces and/or bends the media, altering its planar geometry within the media path 20.
- the curvature of the media differs from the comparative case of Figure 4b , which results in a lateral displacement of the media in relation to the feed area 30.
- a second portion 40b is moved away from the feed area 30 of the media processing device 10, thereby reducing the risk that the second portion 40b will be recaptured by the feed area 30.
- the apparatus 60 also comprises a support portion 80, which is configured to couple the apparatus 60 to the media processing device 10.
- the support portion 80 may be integral with the media processing device 10, or it may be attachable to the media processing device 10, e.g. in a removable manner.
- the support portion 80 maintains the flexion component 70 of the apparatus 60 in a position in which it can apply a force to media 40 resident in the media tray 45.
- the flexion component 70 comprises at least one roller 90.
- Each roller may be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the direction of media transport.
- the roller portion is positioned so as to contact media 40 as it is transported beneath the flexion component 70.
- the at least one roller 90 rotates, and thereby enables the media 40 to pass beneath the flexion component without causing damage to the media 40.
- this may be a case when media is being transported from right to left, e.g. being transported into the media tray 45 following processing.
- the roller 90 may be rotatable in both the clockwise and anticlockwise directions.
- This may be useful where the media processing device 10 carries out a process in which media 40 needs to be fed back and forth along a media path 20 multiple times.
- the media processing device 10 comprises a scanner
- such a process requiring media to be fed back and forth along a media path 20 could be, for example, a calibration process, such as for a charge-coupled device array of the scanner.
- the at least one roller 90 could be, for example, a cylindrical roller, as depicted in Figure 6c . In certain cases, such as that illustrated in Figure 6d , a plurality of rollers may be used. It will be appreciated, however, that the at least one roller 90 may be differently shaped, for example, the roller portion 90 could be substantially spherical. In other examples, a non-rotatable load may alternatively be applied, wherein the load is moved from the media path to allow passage of media when this is desired.
- the flexion component 70 may be rotatably coupled to the support portion 80 about a coupling axis 100 which is offset from a centre of gravity of the flexion component 70.
- the flexion component 70 may be biased to rotate about the coupling axis 100 under the force of gravity towards a position of equilibrium.
- the centre of gravity of the flexion component 70 is laterally offset from the coupling axis 100, e.g. by a distance to the left of the axis 100 in the Figure.
- the position of equilibrium may comprise a case where the flexion component 70 rests on the lower wall 20b of the media path 20.
- the forces applied by the rollers of the feed area 30 move the media 40 from right-to-left and displace the flexion component 70, i.e. allow it to rotate upwards in the Figure wherein the at least one roller 90 rotates as the media 40 passes.
- a force is applied to the media 40, via the flexion component 70, due to gravity.
- the flexion component 70 can be biased to apply a force to media 40 under the action of a spring.
- the force could be applied by a motorised component, such as a rod which moves under the action of a motor to apply a force to the media 40.
- the force could be applied in any direction.
- the flexion component 70 may be configured to apply a horizontal force to the media 40.
- the force may be applied at any angle to the direction of media transport.
- the angle at which the force is applied will alter the shape of the flexion.
- the direction of the force can be selected such that the resultant flexion is shaped to be compatible with a particular shape and configuration of a media path 20 and/or media feed area 30.
- the force applied to the media 40 via the flexion component 70 is sufficient to create a deflection in the media 40 that is large enough to move the second portion 40b of media 40 far enough away from the feed area 30 that there is little or no risk of capture by the feed area 30.
- the force is also not so great that it causes damage to the media.
- the optimum force will vary for different media 40, and may depend on factors such as the thickness and rigidity of the media 40, and also the material from which the media 40 is made.
- the flexion component may apply a load in a particular way, e.g. using one or more of a weight load, a spring load and a motorised load, depending on the media and/or media path configuration that is used in an embodiment.
- the flexion component 70 comprises at least one roller 90, and is also rotatably coupled to the support portion 80 about a coupling axis 100 that is offset from the centre of gravity of the flexion component 70
- the flexion component 70 may comprise an arm portion 110 for linking the roller portion 90 to the support portion 80.
- the arm portion 110 is coupled at one end to the support portion 80, and at another end, to the at least one roller 90.
- a force applied by one or more of upper roller 30a and lower roller 30b determines whether media is ejected such that it is not recaptured by the media processing device.
- upper roller 30a and/or lower roller 30b apply a first force that propels a leading edge of a sheet of media past the at least one roller 90 of the above described apparatus.
- the flexion component 70 is applying a downward weight load
- the at least one roller 90 rotates, allowing the media sheet to pass a distance into the media tray 45.
- upper roller 30a and/or lower roller 30b apply a second force that propels a leading edge of a sheet of media past the at least one roller 90 but not as far as in the eject case, e.g. the second force is less than the first force.
- the media is transported such that the case shown in Figure 5a occurs, e.g. the media is in a state ready to be re-fed.
- the second force and the weight load may be calibrated to limit the distance the media is ejected.
- the first and second force may be calibrated by controlling the speed of one or more of upper roller 30a and lower roller 30b. This speed may be set by a particular mode of operation of the media processing device. In both cases, the flexion component 70 provides a braking force without damaging the media.
- Figures 6a to 6d show the components of an exemplary apparatus 60 in more detail. More specifically, Figure 6a shows an exemplary support portion 80 which comprises a coupling component 80a for removably coupling the support portion 80 to the media processing device 10.
- the coupling component 80a comprises a bracket or arm. At one end of the bracket is a base portion 82 for fastening the support portion 80 to the media processing device. In Figure 3 , this base portion 82 is securely attached to an internal structure of the media processing device.
- the bracket then comprises an elongate member 84 than extends between the base portion 82 and a head portion 86.
- the head portion 86 provides a rotatable coupling for the flexion component 70.
- Figure 6b shows schematically an exemplary arm portion 110 of the flexion component 70.
- the arm portion 110 comprises two axle portions, wherein a first axle portion 110a is visible in the Figure.
- each axle portion resides within a respective axle aperture of the support portion 80.
- a first axle aperture 80b is shown in Figure 6a .
- an axle portion when in place within a respective axle aperture, an axle portion enables the arm portion 110 to rotate about an axis collinear with the axle portions.
- the arm portion 110 as shown in Figure 6b is also adapted to receive two rollers 90.
- an end of the arm portion opposite to the axle portions comprises two roller supports 115.
- Each roller support 115 comprises two laterally spaced members.
- Each member has an aperture arranged to receive an axle at one end of a roller 90.
- Each roller 90 may be removably mounted with each roller support 115; for example, at least one of the members may comprise a resilient member that may be moved laterally such that an axle of a roller no longer resides within an aperture of the member.
- Figure 6d shows an assembled apparatus 60 according to an example.
- the flexion component 70 comprises an arm portion 110 and two roller portions 90; the flexion component 70 being coupled to a support portion 80.
- the width of the flexion component 70 in the direction perpendicular to the direction of media transport is substantially equal to the width of the media 40 in the direction perpendicular to the same direction.
- the width of the two rollers 90 is substantially equal to the width of a sheet of media.
- the flexion component 70 may comprise any number of rollers with a combined length substantially equal to the width of the media 40. In such arrangements, when media 40 is held within the media tray 45, the flexion component 70 applies a force across substantially the whole width of the media 40. This creates a substantially uniform flexion across the width of the media 40.
- the apparatus 60 may comprise a plurality of flexion components 70, which are distributed at regular intervals across the media path 20 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of media transport.
- a plurality of media support fins 45a provide a support for media 40 resident in the media tray 45.
- a media support fin 45a comprises a curved elongate structure with a plurality of thin support members ("fins") whose edge support a surface of the media 40.
- a plurality of flexion components 70a are then arranged with respect to the plurality of media support fins. This arrangement also creates a substantially uniform flexion across the whole width of the media 40, and thereby further reduces the likelihood that a portion of the media 40 will be recaptured by the feed area 30.
- the support portion 80 of the apparatus 60 may comprise axle apertures 80b for rotatably coupling the axle portions 110a of the flexion component 70 to the support portion 80.
- Figures 8a and 8b show an exemplary axle aperture 80b in more detail.
- the axle aperture comprises two aperture portions 120a and 120b.
- the axle portion 110a of the flexion component 70 is configured move between the first aperture portion 120a and the second aperture portion 120b.
- the shape of a combined aperture comprising both axle apertures 80a, 80b is such that movement of the axle portions within the combined aperture is allowed.
- a projection 130 extends into the combined aperture.
- an end of the protrusion 130 supports a lower side of the axle portion.
- the protrusion 130 may demonstrate a given amount of resilience enabling the movement of the axle portion.
- the flexion component 70 When the axle portion 110a is in the first aperture portion 120a, the flexion component 70 is caused to be in a retracted position, in which the flexion component 70 is held up and out of the media path 20.
- the flexion component 70 When the axle portion 110a is in the second aperture portion 120b, on the other hand, the flexion component 70 is held in the position as described above in relation to Figure 3 , in which the flexion component contacts and applies a force to media 40 resident in the media path 20.
- Figure 8a shows the flexion component 70 when the axle portion 110a is moving between the first aperture portion 120a and the second aperture portion 120b.
- Figure 8b show the flexion component 70 when the axle portion 110a is engaged in the second aperture portion 120b.
- Proving axle apertures 80b with first and second aperture portions 120a, 120b, as described, is useful because it enables the flexion component 70 to be retracted out of the media path 20, thereby enabling a user of the media processing device to gain access to the media path 20.
- the axle portion 110a may be configured to move from the second aperture portion 120b to the first aperture portion 120a by the action of a user of opening a cover of the media processing device 10 that is in the vicinity of the axle portion 110a.
- the cover may be configured to lift the axle portion 110a from the second aperture portion 120b to the first aperture portion 120a when the cover is lifted.
- the flexion component 70 is held in a retracted position, out of the media path 20, thereby enabling the user to easily gain access to the media path 20.
- a user may wish to access the media path 20 to clear an obstruction within the media path 20, or to fix components within the media path 20, for example.
- the cover When the user subsequently shuts the cover of the media processing device 10, the cover may be configured to push the axle portion 110a back down into the second aperture portion 120b.
- the flexion component is held in the position as described above in relation to Figure 3 , in which the flexion component contacts and applies a force to media 40 resident in the media path 20.
- the flexion component 70 may be retractable, such that it enables a flexion in the media 40 to be selectively generated. This in turn means that the media 40 can be selectively recaptured by the feed area 30 of a media processing device 10.
- media may be recaptured by the media processing device after a user has reconfigured the media in the media tray. For example, a user may apply a small force to the media in the direction of travel along the media path; this force may move the media towards the feed area and allow it to be fed into the media processing device by way of the friction rollers.
- Figure 9 is a flow diagram showing a method according to an example. This method may be performed using the apparatus 60 of the previous Figures or an alternative apparatus.
- the method comprises a first block, B1, of applying a force to a first portion of media within a media feed path of a media processing device. As discussed above, this force may be applied via a flexion component, which may be coupled to the media processing device via a support portion.
- a flexion component 70 Various exemplary configurations of the flexion component 70 have been discussed above.
- the flexion component may comprise one or more rollers and the method may comprise applying a force to the first portion of the media via the one or more rollers of the flexion component.
- the method may comprise using the weight of a flexion component to apply a load to the media whereby to apply the above-mentioned force to the first portion of media.
- This may be achieved, for example, by rotatably coupling the flexion component to a support portion about an axis which is off-set from the centre of gravity of the flexion component.
- the force applied to the first portion of media may, in some examples, extend across the media in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of media transport. This helps to create a substantially even flexion across the width of the media as discussed above.
- the method may comprise applying a force to a plurality of first portions of the media, which extend across the media in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of transport of the media along the media path.
- This may be achieved, for example, by using an apparatus such as the one depicted in Figure 7 to apply the force.
- This exemplary apparatus comprises a plurality of flexion components, which are distributed at regular intervals across the media path in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of media transport. Each flexion component applies a force to a respective first portion of the media.
- a flexion is created in the media at block B2. This in turn causes a second portion of the media to move away from a feed area of a media path at block B3, thereby reducing the risk that the second portion will be recaptured by the feed area.
- the method may comprise a further step of retracting the flexion component from the media path. Retracting the flexion component in such a way may be useful in the case that the user of the media processing device wishes to access the media path of the media processing device. Alternatively, or additionally, the retraction of the flexion component may be carried out to cause the media to be recaptured by the feed area and fed back into the media path.
- FIGS 8a and 8b depict an exemplary apparatus 60 which facilitates the retraction of the flexion component 70 in such a way.
- the flexion component 70 may be retracted from the media path 20 by moving an axle portion 110a of the flexion component 70 between a first aperture portion 120a and a second aperture portion 120b of a support portion 80 of the apparatus 60.
- media is used herein to refer to any material which can be processed by a media processing device, such as a scanner or printer.
- Media may include, in particular, sheets of material such as sheets of paper, cardboard, plastic, or fabric.
- a "flexion” in a sheet of media has been used herein to refer to any displacement and/or bending of the media that is created by a force applied to the media, and which altars the planar geometry of the media within the media path, e.g. any deflection of the media caused by the application of a load.
- feed area has been used herein to refer to any area of a media processing device which causes media to be transported along a media path, and should not be limited, for example, to feed areas which utilise friction to transport media.
- a feed area may utilise gravity and/or a manual feed system in order to transport media along a media path.
Description
- Many media processing devices, such as printers and scanners, are configured to transport media along a media path. For example, a printer may deposit ink on paper transported along a media path and a scanner may capture an image of a document that passes one or more image acquisition devices. In these media processing devices, media typically enters the media path using one or more feed areas arranged along, or at the start of, the media path. A media feed area may use friction to transport media. For example, a media feed area may comprise one or more rotating rollers, which are positioned to contact media within the media path. The friction between the rotating rollers and the media thereby causes the media to be transported along the media path.
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JP 2002 096957 A -
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Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section through a media processing device according to a comparative example not covered by the scope of the invention; -
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a close-up of a media feed area of a media processing device according to a comparative example not covered by the scope of the invention; -
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section through a media processing device which has been coupled to an apparatus according to an example; -
Figure 4a is a schematic diagram showing a first portion of media in the presence of an apparatus according to an example; -
Figure 4b is a schematic diagram showing the first portion of media in the absence of an apparatus according to an example; -
Figure 5a is a schematic diagram showing a second portion of media in the vicinity of a media feed area of a media processing device that is coupled to the apparatus ofFigure 3 ; -
Figure 5b is a schematic diagram showing the second portion of media in the vicinity of a media feed area of a media processing device according to the comparative example; -
Figure 6a is a schematic perspective diagram showing an exemplary support portion for an apparatus according to an example; -
Figure 6b is a schematic perspective diagram showing an exemplary arm portion for an apparatus according to an example; -
Figure 6c is a schematic perspective diagram showing an exemplary roller for an apparatus according to an example; -
Figure 6d is a schematic perspective diagram showing an apparatus according to an example; -
Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a media processing device coupled to an apparatus according to an example; -
Figures 8a and 8b are schematic diagrams showing an exemplary axle aperture for a support portion of an apparatus according to an example; and, -
Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method according to an example. - Certain media processing devices comprise a media transport arranged to feed media back into an initial area following media processing. For example, media may be driven in two opposing directions along the media transport and/or may be routed so as to use a common media holding area. In these cases, there may be a difficulty if media that has already been processed by the media processing device is fed back into the device. This behaviour may lead to media becoming jammed in the media path and/or damage the media. This may occur with batch scanning devices.
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Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section through an exemplarymedia processing device 10. Themedia processing device 10 has amedia path 20 defined by anupper surface 20a and alower surface 20b. The media path typically extends within the media processing device, driving themedia 40 past one or more actuators and/or sensors, e.g. print-heads and/or charge-coupled device arrays. The media path may be linear and/or curved. Themedia processing device 10 comprises afeed area 30 forfeeding media 40 into the device and along a media transport. The media transport may comprise, amongst others, a belt-driven mechanism and/or a roller-driven mechanism. Thefeed area 30 may be considered a start of the media transport. InFigure 1 ,media 40 is first positioned on amedia tray 45 at an entrance to the media transport. In this case a portion of themedia 40 extends along themedia path 20. In the particular example shown inFigure 1 , thefeed area 30 comprises tworollers media 40 is transported. Rotation of therollers media 40 that is between the tworollers media path 20. For example, a sheet of paper may contact thelower roller 30b. Thelower roller 30b may then be rotated in a clockwise direction. In this case, a frictional force between the paper and thelower roller 30b drives the paper forward between the tworollers Figure 1 . - In media processing devices comprising
feed areas 30, such as the one shown inFigure 1 ,media 40 that has been processed by the device may be fed back into the media transport. For example,media 40 may be fed into the media processing device via thefeed area 30. It may pass one or more actuators and/or sensors and then may be returned to themedia tray 45. The media may be returned via an endless belt mechanism or by reversing a direction of rotation of one or more rollers,e.g. rollers media 40 has been processed it then rests onmedia tray 45 until it is removed by a user of the media processing device. In this case, whilemedia 40 is resting onmedia tray 45 and awaiting removal by a user, it may remain in contact with, or in the vicinity of, thefeed area 30. This may cause themedia 40 to be "recaptured" by thefeed area 30, and to be fed back into the media feed path or another part of themedia processing device 10. - To aid in explanation,
Figure 2 shows a close-up of an exemplarymedia feed area 30, comprising anupper roller 30a and alower roller 30b. In the exemplary arrangement shown, theupper roller 30a rotates in a clockwise direction, and thelower roller 30b rotates in an anti-clockwise direction. Thus themedia 40 is transported in a leftward direction. As themedia 40 emerges from therollers media 40 to remain in contact with thelower roller 30b. Continued, or subsequent, rotation of thelower roller 30b, and friction between thelower roller 30b and the trailing portion of themedia 40, can cause the trailing portion of themedia 40 to be "recaptured" by theroller 30b. - As a particular example, in the event that the
rollers media 40 remains in the vicinity of therollers media 40 may be "recaptured" by therollers media path 20. - As another example, continued rotation of the
lower roller 30b in the same (i.e. anti-clockwise) direction could cause the trailing portion of themedia 40 to be pulled into agap 50 between thelower roller 30b and thelower wall 20b. Further continued rotation of thelower roller 30b can cause more of themedia 40 to be fed into thegap 50. Themedia 40 may become lodged in thegap 50 thereby blocking themedia path 20. Themedia 40 may alternatively or additionally become damaged. - It will be appreciated generally that any contact between
media 40 and a moving part of afeed area 30 can causemedia 40 to be captured, and fed into a part of amedia processing device 10 that is undesirable i.e. a part which themedia 40 should not be fed into. - Recapture of processed
media 40 by afeed area 30 of amedia processing device 10 may be found with media processing devices that processmedia 40 in batches, e.g. with one or more sheets of media. This is because, once a first piece ofmedia 40 has been processed by the media processing device, a trailing portion of the first piece ofmedia 40 will typically remain in the vicinity of thelast feed area 30 from which it was ejected. When thefeed area 30 begins to operate again (in order to transport a second piece ofmedia 40 along the media path 20) the first piece ofmedia 40 can be recaptured by thefeed area 40. Thus, in order to avoid this, the first piece of media must be removed from the media processing device before the second piece of media is processed. This is somewhat burdensome on the user of themedia processing device 10, particularly if a large batch ofmedia 40 is to be processed. -
Figure 3 shows schematically an exemplary modification of themedia processing device 10, which may provide particular advantages. Themedia processing device 10 ofFigure 3 is fitted with anapparatus 60, which comprises aflexion component 70. Theflexion component 70 is for use in causing a flexion inmedia 40. More specifically, theflexion component 70 is configured such that, whilemedia 40 is being transported along themedia path 20, and past theflexion component 70, theflexion component 70 contacts a portion of themedia 40, and applies a force thereto. This force causes themedia 40 to bend around theflexion component 70 thereby creating a flexion in themedia 40. This, in turn, causes a second portion of themedia 40, in this case a trailing portion, which has just emerged from thefeed area 30, to move away from thefeed area 30. This effect can be seen more clearly inFigures 4a, 4b ,5a and 5b . - More specifically,
Figure 4a shows a close-up of theapparatus 60, and more particularly, theflexion component 70. In the example shown, asmedia 40 is transported beneath theflexion component 70, theflexion component 70 applies a substantially downward force onto afirst portion 40a of themedia 40 that is beneath theflexion component 70. This causes thefirst portion 40a of themedia 40 to bend around theflexion component 70 thereby creating a flexion in thefirst portion 40a of themedia 40.Figure 4b shows thefirst portion 40a of themedia 40 in the absence of theflexion component 70. As can be seen, there is no flexion present in themedia 40 depicted inFigure 4b . -
Figures 5a and 5b show a close-up of thefeed area 30 of themedia processing device 10.Figure 5a shows a case with the use of a flexion component;Figure 5b shows a comparative case. In these examples there is asecond portion 40b ofmedia 40 in the vicinity of thefeed area 30. As described above, in this particular example, theupper roller 30a rotates in an anti-clockwise direction, and thelower roller 30b rotates in a clockwise direction to feedmedia 40 into the device.Figures 5a and 5b show thesecond portion 40b of themedia 40 as the media resides inmedia tray 45.Figure 5a shows the position of thesecond portion 40b ofmedia 40 when the media processing device is fitted with theapparatus 60.Figure 5b , on the other hand, shows the position of thesecond portion 40b of themedia 40 when the media processing device is not fitted with theapparatus 60. - As will be seen, the
second portion 40b of themedia 40 inFigure 5a is a distance from thefeed area 30 when theflexion component 70 is applied. For example, in the present case inFigure 5a the tip of the sheet of media retreats from right to left along themedia path 40. As such it is further away from thefeed area 30 than thesecond portion 40b of themedia 40 inFigure 5b . This is because the flexion in themedia 40 in the arrangement ofFigure 5a has caused thesecond portion 40b to move away from thefeed area 30. More specifically, the flexion in thefirst portion 40a of themedia 40 has, in this case, caused thesecond portion 40b of the media to move both upwards, away from the surface of thelower roller 30b and thegap 50, and also to the left as compared to the location of thesecond portion 40b in the arrangement ofFigure 5b . As can be seen inFigure 4a , theflexion component 70 applies a force that displaces and/or bends the media, altering its planar geometry within themedia path 20. The curvature of the media differs from the comparative case ofFigure 4b , which results in a lateral displacement of the media in relation to thefeed area 30. - In short, therefore, by creating a flexion in a
first portion 40a of themedia 40, asecond portion 40b is moved away from thefeed area 30 of themedia processing device 10, thereby reducing the risk that thesecond portion 40b will be recaptured by thefeed area 30. - An example of implementing the flexion component will now be described. Referring back to
Figure 3 , theapparatus 60 also comprises asupport portion 80, which is configured to couple theapparatus 60 to themedia processing device 10. Thesupport portion 80 may be integral with themedia processing device 10, or it may be attachable to themedia processing device 10, e.g. in a removable manner. In one embodiment, thesupport portion 80 maintains theflexion component 70 of theapparatus 60 in a position in which it can apply a force tomedia 40 resident in themedia tray 45. - In the exemplary arrangement shown in
Figure 3 , theflexion component 70 comprises at least oneroller 90. Each roller may be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the direction of media transport. In use, the roller portion is positioned so as to contactmedia 40 as it is transported beneath theflexion component 70. Thus, whenmedia 40 is transported beneath theflexion component 70, the at least oneroller 90 rotates, and thereby enables themedia 40 to pass beneath the flexion component without causing damage to themedia 40. For example, this may be a case when media is being transported from right to left, e.g. being transported into themedia tray 45 following processing. Advantageously, theroller 90 may be rotatable in both the clockwise and anticlockwise directions. Thisenabled media 40 to be transported beneath theflexion component 70 in both directions along themedia path 20. This may be useful where themedia processing device 10 carries out a process in whichmedia 40 needs to be fed back and forth along amedia path 20 multiple times. In the case that themedia processing device 10 comprises a scanner, such a process requiring media to be fed back and forth along amedia path 20 could be, for example, a calibration process, such as for a charge-coupled device array of the scanner. - The at least one
roller 90 could be, for example, a cylindrical roller, as depicted inFigure 6c . In certain cases, such as that illustrated inFigure 6d , a plurality of rollers may be used. It will be appreciated, however, that the at least oneroller 90 may be differently shaped, for example, theroller portion 90 could be substantially spherical. In other examples, a non-rotatable load may alternatively be applied, wherein the load is moved from the media path to allow passage of media when this is desired. - Additionally, or alternatively, the
flexion component 70 may be rotatably coupled to thesupport portion 80 about acoupling axis 100 which is offset from a centre of gravity of theflexion component 70. Thus, theflexion component 70 may be biased to rotate about thecoupling axis 100 under the force of gravity towards a position of equilibrium. InFigure 3 , the centre of gravity of theflexion component 70 is laterally offset from thecoupling axis 100, e.g. by a distance to the left of theaxis 100 in the Figure. - Such an arrangement is particularly useful in the case where the
media 40 is transported beneath theflexion component 70. In such an arrangement, the position of equilibrium may comprise a case where theflexion component 70 rests on thelower wall 20b of themedia path 20. Thus, whenmedia 40 is transported out of the media processing device, e.g. from right-to-left inFigure 3 , it is transported beneath theflexion component 70. In this case, the forces applied by the rollers of thefeed area 30 move themedia 40 from right-to-left and displace theflexion component 70, i.e. allow it to rotate upwards in the Figure wherein the at least oneroller 90 rotates as themedia 40 passes. Once themedia 40 is in themedia tray 45, a force is applied to themedia 40, via theflexion component 70, due to gravity. As mentioned above, by applying this force to themedia 40, via theflexion component 70, the flexion is created in themedia 40, thereby moving aportion 40b of the media away from thefeed area 30 of the media processing device 10.The above-described arrangement has the advantage that it is relatively simple and cheap to manufacture. It will be appreciated, however, that there are alternative arrangements by which a force can be applied, via theflexion component 70, to themedia 40. As an example, theflexion component 70 can be biased to apply a force tomedia 40 under the action of a spring. As another example, the force could be applied by a motorised component, such as a rod which moves under the action of a motor to apply a force to themedia 40. In these arrangements, the force could be applied in any direction. For example, in a case where a media path is substantially vertical, andmedia 40 is transported in a vertical direction, theflexion component 70 may be configured to apply a horizontal force to themedia 40. - The force may be applied at any angle to the direction of media transport. The angle at which the force is applied will alter the shape of the flexion. Thus, the direction of the force can be selected such that the resultant flexion is shaped to be compatible with a particular shape and configuration of a
media path 20 and/ormedia feed area 30. - Advantageously, the force applied to the
media 40 via theflexion component 70 is sufficient to create a deflection in themedia 40 that is large enough to move thesecond portion 40b ofmedia 40 far enough away from thefeed area 30 that there is little or no risk of capture by thefeed area 30. However, the force is also not so great that it causes damage to the media. It will be appreciated that the optimum force will vary fordifferent media 40, and may depend on factors such as the thickness and rigidity of themedia 40, and also the material from which themedia 40 is made. As such the flexion component may apply a load in a particular way, e.g. using one or more of a weight load, a spring load and a motorised load, depending on the media and/or media path configuration that is used in an embodiment. - In the arrangement where the
flexion component 70 comprises at least oneroller 90, and is also rotatably coupled to thesupport portion 80 about acoupling axis 100 that is offset from the centre of gravity of theflexion component 70, theflexion component 70 may comprise anarm portion 110 for linking theroller portion 90 to thesupport portion 80. Such an arrangement is illustrated schematically inFigure 3 . Thearm portion 110 is coupled at one end to thesupport portion 80, and at another end, to the at least oneroller 90. - In one case, a force applied by one or more of
upper roller 30a andlower roller 30b determines whether media is ejected such that it is not recaptured by the media processing device. For example, in an eject case,upper roller 30a and/orlower roller 30b apply a first force that propels a leading edge of a sheet of media past the at least oneroller 90 of the above described apparatus. In this case, although theflexion component 70 is applying a downward weight load, the at least oneroller 90 rotates, allowing the media sheet to pass a distance into themedia tray 45. By calibrating the first force and the weight load, media can be ejected such that the case shown inFigure 5a occurs. Comparatively, in a re-feed case,upper roller 30a and/orlower roller 30b apply a second force that propels a leading edge of a sheet of media past the at least oneroller 90 but not as far as in the eject case, e.g. the second force is less than the first force. In the re-feed case, the media is transported such that the case shown inFigure 5a occurs, e.g. the media is in a state ready to be re-fed. In this case, the second force and the weight load may be calibrated to limit the distance the media is ejected. In one example, the first and second force may be calibrated by controlling the speed of one or more ofupper roller 30a andlower roller 30b. This speed may be set by a particular mode of operation of the media processing device. In both cases, theflexion component 70 provides a braking force without damaging the media. -
Figures 6a to 6d show the components of anexemplary apparatus 60 in more detail. More specifically,Figure 6a shows anexemplary support portion 80 which comprises acoupling component 80a for removably coupling thesupport portion 80 to themedia processing device 10. InFigure 6a , thecoupling component 80a comprises a bracket or arm. At one end of the bracket is abase portion 82 for fastening thesupport portion 80 to the media processing device. InFigure 3 , thisbase portion 82 is securely attached to an internal structure of the media processing device. The bracket then comprises anelongate member 84 than extends between thebase portion 82 and ahead portion 86. Thehead portion 86 provides a rotatable coupling for theflexion component 70. -
Figure 6b shows schematically anexemplary arm portion 110 of theflexion component 70. Thearm portion 110 comprises two axle portions, wherein afirst axle portion 110a is visible in the Figure. In use, each axle portion resides within a respective axle aperture of thesupport portion 80. Afirst axle aperture 80b is shown inFigure 6a . As is shown in more detail inFigure 8 , when in place within a respective axle aperture, an axle portion enables thearm portion 110 to rotate about an axis collinear with the axle portions. - The
arm portion 110 as shown inFigure 6b is also adapted to receive tworollers 90. InFigure 6b an end of the arm portion opposite to the axle portions comprises two roller supports 115. Each roller support 115 comprises two laterally spaced members. Each member has an aperture arranged to receive an axle at one end of aroller 90. Eachroller 90 may be removably mounted with each roller support 115; for example, at least one of the members may comprise a resilient member that may be moved laterally such that an axle of a roller no longer resides within an aperture of the member. -
Figure 6d shows an assembledapparatus 60 according to an example. Thus, in the exemplary arrangement shown inFigure 6d , theflexion component 70 comprises anarm portion 110 and tworoller portions 90; theflexion component 70 being coupled to asupport portion 80. - In one example, the width of the
flexion component 70 in the direction perpendicular to the direction of media transport is substantially equal to the width of themedia 40 in the direction perpendicular to the same direction. For example, inFigure 6d the width of the tworollers 90 is substantially equal to the width of a sheet of media. In another case, theflexion component 70 may comprise any number of rollers with a combined length substantially equal to the width of themedia 40. In such arrangements, whenmedia 40 is held within themedia tray 45, theflexion component 70 applies a force across substantially the whole width of themedia 40. This creates a substantially uniform flexion across the width of themedia 40. This in turn decreases the likelihood that a portion of themedia 40 will be recaptured by thefeed area 30, as compared to an arrangement where, say, theflexion component 70 only applies a force to a central portion of the width of themedia 40. As will be appreciated, in the case where the flexion component only applies a force to a central portion of the width of themedia 40, edge portions of thesecond portion 40b of the media may flop or fall downwards towards thefeed area 30, and may be recaptured by thefeed area 30. - In an alternative embodiment, the
apparatus 60 may comprise a plurality offlexion components 70, which are distributed at regular intervals across themedia path 20 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of media transport. Such an arrangement is depicted schematically inFigure 7 . InFigure 7 , a plurality ofmedia support fins 45a provide a support formedia 40 resident in themedia tray 45. In this case, amedia support fin 45a comprises a curved elongate structure with a plurality of thin support members ("fins") whose edge support a surface of themedia 40. A plurality offlexion components 70a are then arranged with respect to the plurality of media support fins. This arrangement also creates a substantially uniform flexion across the whole width of themedia 40, and thereby further reduces the likelihood that a portion of themedia 40 will be recaptured by thefeed area 30. - As mentioned in relation to
Figures 6a and 6b , thesupport portion 80 of theapparatus 60 may compriseaxle apertures 80b for rotatably coupling theaxle portions 110a of theflexion component 70 to thesupport portion 80.Figures 8a and 8b show anexemplary axle aperture 80b in more detail. In the particular example shown, the axle aperture comprises twoaperture portions axle portion 110a of theflexion component 70 is configured move between thefirst aperture portion 120a and thesecond aperture portion 120b. In the example ofFigures 8a and 8b , the shape of a combined aperture comprising bothaxle apertures projection 130 extends into the combined aperture. In thefirst aperture position 120a, an end of theprotrusion 130 supports a lower side of the axle portion. As theprotrusion 130 extends into the combined aperture,e.g. aperture portions 135 surround theprotrusion 130, it may demonstrate a given amount of resilience enabling the movement of the axle portion. - When the
axle portion 110a is in thefirst aperture portion 120a, theflexion component 70 is caused to be in a retracted position, in which theflexion component 70 is held up and out of themedia path 20. When theaxle portion 110a is in thesecond aperture portion 120b, on the other hand, theflexion component 70 is held in the position as described above in relation toFigure 3 , in which the flexion component contacts and applies a force tomedia 40 resident in themedia path 20.Figure 8a shows theflexion component 70 when theaxle portion 110a is moving between thefirst aperture portion 120a and thesecond aperture portion 120b.Figure 8b show theflexion component 70 when theaxle portion 110a is engaged in thesecond aperture portion 120b. Provingaxle apertures 80b with first andsecond aperture portions flexion component 70 to be retracted out of themedia path 20, thereby enabling a user of the media processing device to gain access to themedia path 20. - The
axle portion 110a may be configured to move from thesecond aperture portion 120b to thefirst aperture portion 120a by the action of a user of opening a cover of themedia processing device 10 that is in the vicinity of theaxle portion 110a. For example, the cover may be configured to lift theaxle portion 110a from thesecond aperture portion 120b to thefirst aperture portion 120a when the cover is lifted. Thus, when the cover of themedia processing device 10 is open, theflexion component 70 is held in a retracted position, out of themedia path 20, thereby enabling the user to easily gain access to themedia path 20. A user may wish to access themedia path 20 to clear an obstruction within themedia path 20, or to fix components within themedia path 20, for example. - When the user subsequently shuts the cover of the
media processing device 10, the cover may be configured to push theaxle portion 110a back down into thesecond aperture portion 120b. Thus, when the cover of themedia processing device 10 is closed, the flexion component is held in the position as described above in relation toFigure 3 , in which the flexion component contacts and applies a force tomedia 40 resident in themedia path 20. - In one variation, the
flexion component 70 may be retractable, such that it enables a flexion in themedia 40 to be selectively generated. This in turn means that themedia 40 can be selectively recaptured by thefeed area 30 of amedia processing device 10. In other cases, e.g. after an eject case with a weight load, media may be recaptured by the media processing device after a user has reconfigured the media in the media tray. For example, a user may apply a small force to the media in the direction of travel along the media path; this force may move the media towards the feed area and allow it to be fed into the media processing device by way of the friction rollers. -
Figure 9 is a flow diagram showing a method according to an example. This method may be performed using theapparatus 60 of the previous Figures or an alternative apparatus. The method comprises a first block, B1, of applying a force to a first portion of media within a media feed path of a media processing device. As discussed above, this force may be applied via a flexion component, which may be coupled to the media processing device via a support portion. Various exemplary configurations of theflexion component 70 have been discussed above. In a particular example, the flexion component may comprise one or more rollers and the method may comprise applying a force to the first portion of the media via the one or more rollers of the flexion component. - In some examples, the method may comprise using the weight of a flexion component to apply a load to the media whereby to apply the above-mentioned force to the first portion of media. This may be achieved, for example, by rotatably coupling the flexion component to a support portion about an axis which is off-set from the centre of gravity of the flexion component. Such a configuration has been discussed in more detail above in relation to
Figure 3 . The force applied to the first portion of media may, in some examples, extend across the media in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of media transport. This helps to create a substantially even flexion across the width of the media as discussed above. - Alternatively, the method may comprise applying a force to a plurality of first portions of the media, which extend across the media in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of transport of the media along the media path. This may be achieved, for example, by using an apparatus such as the one depicted in
Figure 7 to apply the force. This exemplary apparatus comprises a plurality of flexion components, which are distributed at regular intervals across the media path in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of media transport. Each flexion component applies a force to a respective first portion of the media. - Referring back to
Fig. 9 , as a result of the force applied to the media in the first block B1, a flexion is created in the media at block B2. This in turn causes a second portion of the media to move away from a feed area of a media path at block B3, thereby reducing the risk that the second portion will be recaptured by the feed area. - In one example, in a case where the above-mentioned force is applied to the first portion of media via a flexion component, which resides in the media path, the method may comprise a further step of retracting the flexion component from the media path. Retracting the flexion component in such a way may be useful in the case that the user of the media processing device wishes to access the media path of the media processing device. Alternatively, or additionally, the retraction of the flexion component may be carried out to cause the media to be recaptured by the feed area and fed back into the media path.
-
Figures 8a and 8b , described above, depict anexemplary apparatus 60 which facilitates the retraction of theflexion component 70 in such a way. In this case, theflexion component 70 may be retracted from themedia path 20 by moving anaxle portion 110a of theflexion component 70 between afirst aperture portion 120a and asecond aperture portion 120b of asupport portion 80 of theapparatus 60. - The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples. Further examples are envisaged. It will be appreciated, in particular, that the term "media" is used herein to refer to any material which can be processed by a media processing device, such as a scanner or printer. "Media" may include, in particular, sheets of material such as sheets of paper, cardboard, plastic, or fabric. A "flexion" in a sheet of media has been used herein to refer to any displacement and/or bending of the media that is created by a force applied to the media, and which altars the planar geometry of the media within the media path, e.g. any deflection of the media caused by the application of a load. The term "feed area" has been used herein to refer to any area of a media processing device which causes media to be transported along a media path, and should not be limited, for example, to feed areas which utilise friction to transport media. As particular examples, a feed area may utilise gravity and/or a manual feed system in order to transport media along a media path.
- It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one example may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the examples, or any combination of any other of the examples. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed.
Claims (14)
- A media processing device (10) comprising:a media path (20) along which a sheet of media (40) is transported, the media path (20) having a feed area (30) to transport the sheet of media (40) back and forth along the media path (20),the media processing device (10) being characterised by further comprising a flexion component (70) configured to apply a force to a portion (40a) of the sheet of media (40) within the media path (20) and thereby cause a flexion in the sheet of media (40), the flexion moving the trailing edge (40b) of the sheet of media (40) away from the feed area (30) from which it was ejected,wherein the media processing device (10) is fitted with a support portion (80) configured to couple the flexion component (70) to the media processing device (10).
- The media processing device (10) of claim 1, wherein the flexion component (70) comprises at least one roller (90) for applying the force to the portion (40a) of the sheet of media (40).
- The media processing device (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexion component (70) is rotatably coupled to the support portion (80) about an axis (100) perpendicular to a direction of transport of the sheet of media (40) along the media path (20).
- The media processing device (10) of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexion component (70) is rotatably coupled to the support portion (80) about an axis (100) which is off-set from the centre of gravity of the flexion component (70).
- The media processing device (10) of claim 2, wherein the flexion component (70) comprises an arm portion (110), the arm portion comprising an elongate member (84) which couples a roller (90) portion to the support portion (80).
- The media processing device (10) of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flexion component (70) is coupled, via an axle (110a), to an axle aperture (80b) of the support portion (80), and wherein the axle aperture (80b) is configured such that the flexion component (70) can be retracted out of the media path (20), such that the flexion component (70) is maintained in a position in which it no longer applies a force to the sheet of media (40).
- The media processing device (10) of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the flexion component (70) extends across the portion (40b) of the sheet of media (40) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of media transport, whereby to create a substantially uniform flexion across the width of the sheet of media (40).
- The media processing device (10) of any of claims 1 to 7, comprising:a plurality of flexion components (70a) that extend across the portion (40a) of the sheet of media (40) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of media transport, each of the plurality of flexion components (70a) being configured to apply a force to a respective section of the portion (40a) of the sheet of media (40), whereby to create a substantially uniform flexion across the width of the sheet of media (40).
- A method of operating a media processing device (10) comprising a media path (20) along which a sheet of media (40) is transported, the media path (20) having a feed area (30) to transport the sheet of media (40) back and forth along the media path (20),
the method being characterised by comprising:applying a force to a portion (40a) of the sheet of media (40) within the media path (20) of the media processing device (10), wherein the force results in a flexion in the sheet of media (40), the flexion moving the trailing edge (40b) of the sheet of media (40) away from the feed area (30) from which it was ejected. - The method of claim 9, wherein the method comprises applying the force to the portion (40a) of the sheet of media (40) via at least one roller (90).
- The method of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein applying a force to the portion (40a) of the sheet of media (40) comprises using a weight of a flexion component (70) to apply a load to the sheet of media (40).
- The method of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein said force is applied via a flexion component (70) resident within the media path (20), and the method further comprises retracting the flexion component (70) from the media path (20) whereby to stop applying the force to the portion (40a) of the sheet of media (40).
- The method of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the method comprises applying said force to a portion (40a) of the sheet of media (40) which extends across the sheet of media (40) in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of media transport.
- The method of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the method comprises applying a force to a plurality of portions (40a) of the sheet of media (40), said portions (40a) extending across the sheet of media (40) in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of media transport.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2014/051851 WO2015113609A1 (en) | 2014-01-30 | 2014-01-30 | Apparatus comprising a flexion component, method comprising applying a force, and media processing apparatus |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3099615A1 EP3099615A1 (en) | 2016-12-07 |
EP3099615B1 true EP3099615B1 (en) | 2017-11-29 |
Family
ID=50156731
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP14705982.8A Not-in-force EP3099615B1 (en) | 2014-01-30 | 2014-01-30 | Media processing apparatus comprising a flexion component, and method of operating a media processing apparatus comprising applying a force |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20170008719A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3099615B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN105934399B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015113609A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2023028616A1 (en) * | 2021-08-27 | 2023-03-02 | Compound Foods Inc. | Alternative coffee beverages |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH0745311B2 (en) * | 1988-02-15 | 1995-05-17 | シャープ株式会社 | Circulating type automatic document feeder and double-sided copying machine equipped with the same |
JPH1179564A (en) * | 1997-09-09 | 1999-03-23 | Canon Inc | Sheet resupply device and image forming device |
CN1112314C (en) * | 1999-05-07 | 2003-06-25 | 虹光精密工业股份有限公司 | Return mechanism of automatic paper feeder |
JP2002096957A (en) * | 2000-09-21 | 2002-04-02 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Image forming device |
JP2002114401A (en) * | 2000-10-04 | 2002-04-16 | Riso Kagaku Corp | Sheet carrier |
US6908242B2 (en) * | 2001-12-04 | 2005-06-21 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Roll paper curl correction device and record apparatus with the roll paper curl correction device |
JP2010089900A (en) * | 2008-10-07 | 2010-04-22 | Canon Inc | Sheet carrying device, sheet length detecting device and image forming device |
JP5590739B2 (en) * | 2010-11-04 | 2014-09-17 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | Recording medium discharging apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same |
-
2014
- 2014-01-30 CN CN201480074592.XA patent/CN105934399B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2014-01-30 US US15/113,171 patent/US20170008719A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-01-30 WO PCT/EP2014/051851 patent/WO2015113609A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-01-30 EP EP14705982.8A patent/EP3099615B1/en not_active Not-in-force
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2015113609A1 (en) | 2015-08-06 |
US20170008719A1 (en) | 2017-01-12 |
EP3099615A1 (en) | 2016-12-07 |
CN105934399A (en) | 2016-09-07 |
CN105934399B (en) | 2019-01-01 |
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